1970 Holden LC Torana GTR XU1 GMH PR Brochure Car - Plumdinger

The famous "Plumdinger" LC GTR XU-1 Brochure car is now for sale. As photographed on Holden's Lang Lang test circuit. This iconic car featured prominently in Holden's sales brochures and enjoyed extensive coverage in leading motor magazines and newspapers of the day. And just featured in Issue 147 of Australian Muscle Car Magazine. Now for sale from our Sydney Showroom.

Built in June 1970 at the Adelaide Holden Plant, this car was among the first 12 production models which where available in four colours: Dolly Yellow, Rally Red, Lina Mint, and Plumdinger. This LC in particular was retained by Holden for some time and used for marketing and promotional purposes including posing for the cameras at Holden's Lang Lang test track, inclusion in sales brochures, dealer promotions and as a press test car.

The hard fought enduro between Holden, Chrysler and Ford pitted showroom cars against each other with the podium winner earning a tremendous sales boost and a deliciously attractive advertisement for the brand.

With Holden putting their faith in the super quick, lightweight and nimble Torana over the Monaro GTS, the battle lines were clearly drawn in a David versus Goliath struggle with the Torana eventually ending the Falcon GT-HO’s domination on The Mountain. It also earned Peter Brock his first winner’s trophy.

While the long legs of the big V8 Holdens could trounce a Torana GTR on the straight, the 500kg lighter Torana could run rings around the bigger cars on the tighter circuits. Holden Dealer Team’s racing boss, Harry Firth AOM put the GTR into development and dropped in the 186S 3.1-litre straight six with triple Stromberg 1.5s, a 2 inch exhaust system, a 3.36:1 ratio LSD, the Monaro 350’s brake 10" discs, stiffer suspension, and a larger 64-litre (17 gallon) fuel tank.

A new front-dam aided cooling and a tiny rear spoiler helped aerodynamics. Revealed as the XU-1 performance and handling package, the newcomer debuted with 118kW and 258Nm. Nowhere near the Monaro’s grunt, but it's weight meant faster corner exits than the Monaro. And the lighter, more frugal XU-1 also meant fewer pit stops.

Holden's faith in the Torana quickly proved a good decision when in September, 1970, Colin Bond, in an XU-1 dusted off Bob Jane’s Monaro 350 at the Gold Star series production race. And by October, the all Torana XU-1 line-up with star drivers Norm Beechey, Colin Bond, and an emerging Peter Brock, took out a class victory.

For sale is a very genuine XU-1 presented in acrylic Plumdinger paint. In the care of the current owner for near on 30 years, the XU-1 was painted approximately 20 years ago and still presents in stunning condition to this day. The XU-1 features 40X black trim, with the door cards, roof lining and carpets replaced 30 years ago with the original crash pad, steering wheel and gauges all still in their place. The glove box features the signatures of the who's who in Australian motor racing including Phil Brock, Bev Brock, Colin Bond, Bob Forbes, Bob Morris, Des West, Ian Tate and MHDT's John Sheppard.

Under the bonnet, the car is just spectacular. The 3100X 186S engine is in its place and has been rebuilt to 192 cui with a Bathurst 35/70 cam, new lifters, roller rockers, XU-1 head, original triple Strombergs, correct date stamped distributor, date code correct Opel 4 speed gearbox and the optional 3.08:1 LSD. The car has all the correct hose clamps, wiper motor, heater box, big nut brake master and steering box. The XU-1 retains its original day one compliance plates and matching body number. In fact, it is one of only 7 early LC XU-1s with "XU1" casting on the head. This is as good as it gets and presents as a well maintained 6th month '70 XU-1.

The underside of the car is also in excellent condition with correct fuel lines, clamps, springs, diff tag and single exhaust to the rear where the current owner has chosen to deviate slightly from originality with a twin system exit. A genuine GMH LJ dual exhaust is also supplied with the car.

In the boot is the restored original long range fuel tank, original boot matt and an original spare steel rim. The car is riding on 4 original steel rims with restored chrome dress rims, genuine caps and genuine Acorn wheel nuts. The boot spoiler is original with the original boot lock is still in place. All the glass is original including the windscreen and the glass is in excellent condition. The chrome is also in original excellent condition. The Torana is supplied with a set of 4 genuine original Dunlop SP Aquajet 165 tyres for show purposes.

The LC GTR XU-1 is actually a much harder car to source than it's LJ brother and this Plumdinger example will absolutely satisfy even the most demanding Torana expert. Proudly for sale from our Sydney Showroom.

Currently on full NSW registration until 15th July, 2025. Inspection by appointment in our Sydney Showroom. (Ref. 6493)

We are happy to arrange a video inspection of the car using WhatsApp. Please call for more details and note Door to Door enclosed transport is available anywhere in Australia or New Zealand.

Call Mike Selby on 0414 278 604 or Nick Capeleris on 0499 577 997 and let us assist you with your inquiries. Also please note if you have a quality Muscle or Classic car you wish to list or have valued please give us a call at AMCS, we will be happy to assist you.